So you might be able to tell from my photos that I spent some time in France. I did a Top Deck tour (loved it!). One of the main reasons I did that trip was because 1. it spent the most time in France, 2. It went to Barcelona, 3. HELLO French Riviera!!

France was absolutely fabulous. Having my B.A in all things French, and part of my heritage, I was very happy to be the translator and dictator for the non-english speaking people I met on the trip. And I was complimented on my french accent by a Mme at a perfumery in Nice. It was super exciting. Having another B.A. in all things of International Relatons/Diplomacy/UN type situations, being in the gov't district of Paris made me all re-inspired to pursue my career in politics and such. Then I remembered that if it weren't for STA I wouldn't've had the chance to go to Europe in the first place, can't say I hate my job.

So a lot of people live and die for Paris. And I'm totally with them. If you like to walk - which I do (I believe my previous post said something of this) then you will LOVE the Parisian scene. The metro system isn't even needed. I totally walked the entire city in one day and I found it to be the best way to see Paris. I got lost, then un-lost, but re-lost and then found myself below la tour eiffel. Found fabulous jambon et fromage crêpes on the pont-neuf, quaint neighborhood shops, and bought a sweet scarf on the Champs-Elysées (note my photo at the castle in Chambord I’m wearing it).

But after all the hype of Paris it is still just that; Paris. A city that's been uber METROpolized (their train system is called the Métro after all- -get it, it's punny...ahh nvm) and all true things français have been lost. You’ll notice it – if you’ve been to LA, NYC, Chicago, Sydney all these major cities that you’ve heard of, it start to look the same after awhile. Here comes the plug for one of the best reasons to take a tour. GET OFF THAT BEATEN PATH!

After we drove from Paris to the MASSIVELY long ride down to Bordeaux I was completely taken away with the French country side. The further away from Paris you go the closer to France you get, (but don’t tell the Parisians I said that, they might flick their cigarette at me). During our drive down we stopped in Chambord which is part of the Loire Valley. It became more necessary for me to speak French, but it also became more necessary for the French stereotype to diminish. They were SO nice, so accommodating. It was like going somewhere that you felt you belonged all of your life.

If you are a wino, which I am, Bordeaux will be right up your alley. Aside from the wine, there is a really nice young artistic vibe to the city. I feel like I should have more to say about it but I can’t even think of anything other than to say go there. Since it’s not Paris, it’s not as expensive. The food was fantastic, the wine was great, the view from the downtown district was magical. It should be somewhere that everyone goes when they go to France.

Which brings me to the next greatest city in my opinion in France, Nice. Nice is oh so very nice. The view from the Mediterranean coast is phenomenal. Are you a fan of seafood? Feast away. Garlic lovers rejoice this is our true foodie haven. Nice isn’t that large of a city. So I again recommend doing how you did in Paris. Walk around, get lost, and eat at the place where you seem to understand the least. Ask “Qu’est-ce que vous preferez?” while pointing at the menu and let their taste buds be your guide. Nice goes back up in price a little bit, being one of the retreats of the rich and famous but here a tip. You know how in Chicago there’s the magnificent mile? Ya know, Michigan Avenue lined with Tiffany’s and things of that nature. If you go down south a bit to State street there’s something I call “affordable mile”. Outlet shops and fun cheap places to shop (dude like a 3 floor XXI, I was in heaven). Nice had something similar to that as well. Pick up a guide book and become familiar with the major street corners – you can’t really get lost in this city at all. Train station is north and the open ocean/good shopping is south.

Oh France, tu me manques :(